Brexit deal hopes grow
Negotiators go into lockdown to try and break deadlock over customs dilemma
EU and UK Brexit negotiators are in lockdown in the “tunnel” in Brussels this weekend as hopes of a deal continue to grow.
Talks are believed to be centred on the controversial customs issue, with hopes rising the UK could agree to the North staying in the EU zone through a technical loophole.
“Tunnel” negotiations is what diplomats call the process when teams go into lockdown and engage in intense secret talks with no publicity or fanfare. They then emerge from the other end with – hopefully – a deal.
Following Leo Varadkar and Boris Johnson’s historic meeting in Liverpool on Thursday, the EU’S chief negotiator Michel Barnier got the nod to reassemble his team for fresh negotiations with his British counterparts yesterday.
The Taoiseach and British Prime Minister said jointly after their behind-closed-doors meeting they now see a way to agree a deal by October 31.
Following this, there was a renewed sense of optimism in Europe yesterday that a new treaty can be agreed in time for the Halloween deadline.
Mr Barnier met his UK opposite number Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay yesterday and then briefed officials from the other EU countries asking for their permission to kickstart talks.
It was agreed unanimously and Mr Barnier is now in the “tunnel” with his team and is expected to stay there all weekend. Mr Barnier said: “Brexit is like climbing a big mountain, we need vigilance, determination and patience.” Mr Johnson’s refusal to rule out the North leaving the UK customs zone prompted hopes there is a way forward.
If a deal is brokered where there is an agreement on a special exemptions for checks on the island of Ireland, this would break the Brexit deadlock.
Speaking on a visit to a school
yesterday, Mr Johnson refused to rule out such a deal twice when pressed by journalists.
He said: “Where Leo Varadkar and I got to yesterday was a joint feeling that there is a way forward and we can see a pathway to a deal.
“That doesn’t mean it’s a done deal, so there’s work to be done.
“I think it would be wrong of me to give a running commentary on the negotiations.
“With the greatest possible respect I think, look at everything I’ve said previously. I think you can draw your own conclusions from that. But let’s let our negotiators get on.”
Mr Varadkar was also out yesterday at Ebay’s headquarters in Dublin.
He was tightlipped but reiterated his optimism that progress can be made this weekend.
He said: “I think at this stage probably the less said the better.
“I’d anticipate that [Barnier and Barclay meeting] will lead to some more detailed proposals being laid down and then the possibility for talks to enter the proverbial tunnel.”
European Council President Donald Tusk gave his own measured assessment yesterday.
He added: “The UK has still not come forward with a workable, realistic proposal.
“But I have received promising signals from Taoiseach Leo Varadkar that a deal is possible.
“Even the slightest chance must be used.
“A no-deal Brexit will never be the choice of the EU.”
Where Varadkar and I got to yesterday was a joint feeling there is a way forward BORIS JOHNSON YESTERDAY
WITH talk of “pathways” and “tunnel” phases In Brexit negotiations it appears there is some movement along the tortuous road to a deal.
The successful meeting of Leo Varadkar and Boris Johnson in Liverpool has added hope a breakthrough can be achieved although there is very little time left to reach one.
Last night it was being reported the UK was moving closer to a Northern Ireland-only backstop but the DUP was quick to come out to say it will not support a move that leaves the North in EU structures
It is certainly hoped a deal can be reached as yesterday the Central Bank delivered a detailed forecast of the dire consequences of a disorderly Brexit.
While it is hoped the horrors of the crash can be avoided, growth will dramatically drop and the economy will slip into recession.
Bank chiefs warned of disruption to trade at ports and the imposition of tariffs which will hit exporters hard, especially in the agri-food sector.
The public will also suffer as the price of many imported everyday goods will rise due to higher tariffs and increased transport costs.
Unemployment now stands at 5.3% – which is statistically regarded as full employment – but could rise to just under 7% by 2021.
Therefore it is hoped at the end of this tunnel phase of negotiations there will be light.